Chapter 119 - Arc 8: Wuling Immortal Sect | Chapter 119: Sword Practice
Translator: Lynn
There are three methods for beasts to transform into humans, and each has its own characteristics and consequences.
The first method involves seeking the help of cultivators for enlightenment. If a beast is at least two realms lower than a cultivator, it can consume the Transformation Pill provided by the cultivator and undergo a transformation technique to assume human form.
The second method requires the aid of Tianlei, the Heavenly Thunder. Beasts at the sixth-level cultivation base can use Tianlei to undergo a transformative process. They shed their hair, scales, and feathers, undergoing a physical metamorphosis to become humans.
The third method occurs naturally when beasts reach the twelfth level of cultivation. They spontaneously change into human form without external assistance. However, in this case, they are still technically beasts, as it is more of a transformation technique rather than a genuine human transformation.
Among these methods, the first and second ones involve cultivating beasts into demons, and they come with both benefits and drawbacks. Those who undergo enlightenment by a cultivator, become indebted to the cultivator and often have to recognize the cultivator as their master to repay the kindness. This was the case with Yan Shuang.
Enlightened beasts do not suffer significantly, but they lose their innate supernatural powers in human form and can only revert to their beast form during life-threatening situations to save themselves, albeit at the cost of temporary weakness afterward. Their lifespan becomes similar to that of humans.
Beasts tempered by Heavenly Thunder during their transformation undergo a lot of physical changes and can even risk death. However, if successful, they gain the ability to use minor supernatural powers in human form and can freely switch between their animal and human bodies. They enjoy more freedom and happiness compared to the enlightened ones.
Nonetheless, demon cultivators who go through any of these transformations grow spiritual roots and can no longer absorb the essence of heaven and earth in their natural animal form. After establishing their practice foundation, their body’s essence becomes the same as that of immortal cultivators.
Not to mention the aforementioned losses, regardless of whether it’s enlightenment or transformation, when a beast turns into a human, their entire cultivation base is wiped out, and they must start from scratch. It is evident that every action has its own consequences. While there are shortcuts, the path is filled with more challenges. Success requires taking risks and overcoming difficulties.
Due to these reasons, many beasts aspiring to become human are disheartened, and thus the number of demon cultivators is not as abundant as that of monsters and spirit beasts.
Xu Ziqing is also troubled and unsure of what to do. Although Chonghua is his demon pet, he considers it a cherished family member and a favorite of the younger generation. He genuinely desires for Chonghua to transform into a human form, but he is hesitant to make a decision on its behalf.
Moreover, the jade slips mention that the more potential an animal possesses, the harder it is to refine its bones and naturally transform them into humans. Chonghua, with its trace of Kunpeng blood, has much stronger blood than ordinary animals.
He could enlighten Chonghua, but if he does, wouldn’t Chonghua’s Kunpeng blood be wasted entirely? On the other hand, allowing Chonghua to choose for itself… Chonghua is still young and inexperienced, and this matter is of great importance. He cannot let it act impulsively!
Sighing, Xu Ziqing’s spiritual consciousness reaches the end, where the method of enlightenment lies. Now he understands why the master warned him and urged caution. The master must have recognized Chonghua’s uniqueness and wanted him to handle the situation carefully.
After much contemplation and still being unable to decide, Xu Ziqing ultimately shakes his head. He decides to wait until Chonghua grows up; in the meantime, he will learn the method of enlightenment. No matter what choice Chonghua makes in the future, he will be able to support it.
With that in mind, Xu Ziqing swiftly absorbs the cultivation method into his sea of consciousness, engraving the formula deep within.
He then closes his eyes and begins to slowly comprehend the profound knowledge…
After completing his routine of swinging the sword 30,000 times, Xu Ziqing wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a break.
On the side, Yun Lie was absorbing the surrounding aura, his formidable presence manifested itself in the form of an invisible giant sword flickering behind him.
Xu Ziqing glanced at him but didn’t interrupt, instead, he walked a few steps away and sat down.
Then, he picked up the yellow-ranked jade slip that contained the two swordsmanship techniques, “Spring Rain” and “Summer Storm,” and sent his spiritual consciousness into it. He began to silently visualize and comprehend the “Spring Rain Sword Art.”
Given his personality, it was natural for him to start with the “Spring Rain Sword Art” at this time.
As he closed his eyes and immersed himself in contemplation, a vivid and ethereal scene appeared before him in an instant.
In this visualization, the spring rain fell like fine silk, continuous and intricate.
The boundless lingering sentiment permeated the heavens and the earth, fluttering and twinkling, as if in lament and complaint. Such a wonderful feeling evoked a sense of sadness and intricate delicacy.
However, as the rain descended, the vegetation sprouted anew, and the earth came into view, vibrant, fresh, and clear.
Suddenly, a figure appeared amidst the grass, holding a slender sword, twisting and dancing!
This swordsmanship was akin to spring rain, soft and gentle, as if lacking the sharpness of a sword, instead intertwined like strands of threads… But in the next moment, the swordsmanship suddenly shifted!
The lingering spring turned into a sense of flexibility, bursting forth with great strength!
It seemed to possess an unwavering determination as if encountering obstacles and relentlessly trying to break through them!
This tenacity to strive upwards and break free from constraints resembled the early spring when seeds pushed through the ground and dead trees sprouted new shoots.
When pushed to the extreme, it suddenly generated explosive power.
However, what he held in his hand now was the steel-wooden sword.
Combining both steel and wood, this wooden sword should make it easier for him to practice the sword technique and aid in its realization.
Xu Ziqing’s wrist trembled slightly, and he executed the “Spring Rain” move.
The tip of the sword turned into countless shadows, and a faint lingering sensation fused into the sword, transforming it into a powerful force akin to an endless drizzle, densely enveloping the surroundings like a rain curtain.
This style of swordplay was incredibly gentle. As he danced, the young man in green seemed to transform into a spring breeze accompanied by delicate spring rain, creating an intimate atmosphere. The rain slanted gently, resembling mist and smoke, obscuring the sight of onlookers, as if they were being dissolved in the rain. The faint afterimage seemed to dissipate rapidly into space, making it difficult to trace.
Excitedly, Xu Ziqing lost himself in this exquisite swordplay for the first time, fully immersed and captivated by its elegance.
At that moment, he forgot everything else and only focused on the sword, feeling its remarkable stability and how his body seemed weightless.
A soft sensation flowed through his arm and the steel-wood sword, making them feel inseparable, giving birth to an indescribably wonderful feeling.
He couldn’t keep track of time, nor how many times he performed the sword technique. Finally, as the softness reached its peak and was about to change, he abruptly stopped.
It was this interruption that snapped Xu Ziqing back to reality instantly!
Taking a deep breath, he realized that his body felt somewhat weak, yet his spirit was invigorated.
The “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique” in his dantian continued to run, and his true energy was full as if it hadn’t been depleted during his intoxicating dance. Instead, it seemed to be replenishing even more.
At that moment, Xu Ziqing noticed that while he was dancing the sword, his entire body was brimming with wood energy, spreading a subtle sense of spring throughout the entire peak—
No.
Xu Ziqing suddenly wondered: Why is there Yun Shixiong’s sword intent and pressure while exuding a spring-like spirit? Where is Yun Shixiong?
With this thought, he looked around and spotted a man in white sitting not far away. His aura was extremely restrained, except for the killing intent within a radius of half a zhang around him, there was no hint of aura leaking out.
Xu Ziqing’s face flushed a bit and he asked, “Yun Shixiong…have you been watching me for a long time?”
Yun Lie nodded, “I’ve been watching since your first sword. Your swordsmanship is fluent and harmonious, quite in line with the essence of spring rain. Not bad.”
Xu Ziqing felt a little happy. Although he already felt the swordsmanship was well-suited to him, he still wanted to hear Yun Lie’s opinion. So he asked, “If I want to practice this set of swordsmanship, what do you think, Yun Shixiong?”
Yun Lie pondered for a moment and replied, “It’s possible.”
“Shixiong, please correct me,” Xu Ziqing requested.
Yun Lie nodded in agreement.
Xu Ziqing raised his arms and began to dance with the sword. After his earlier visualization, he quickly entered a state of flow, swinging freely.
Unbeknownst to Xu Ziqing, his first visualization was a significant opportunity. However, he was interrupted because of his earlier obsession with the new swordsmanship, which caused the wood energy to overflow and alarmed Yun Lie. To prevent further disruptions, Yun Lie controlled his aura, allowing Xu Ziqing to comprehend the swordsmanship more stably. Yun Lie observed him closely, looking for any flaws.
After a while, Xu Ziqing stopped his swordplay but still stumbled during the variation change part and couldn’t continue.
Yun Lie offered pointers, identifying the deviations in Xu Ziqing’s sword postures one by one and guiding him to correct them. This process helped Xu Ziqing make up for the gaps in his sword technique and enhance the essence of spring rain in his movements.
Throughout the day, one danced the sword, and the other provided corrections. They practiced continuously on the peak. Though Yun Lie’s corrections were strict, Xu Ziqing was equally diligent in refining his technique. Their interaction was harmonious and intuitive.
As the evening approached, golden silk flew in from the sky, bearing the Sect Master’s order once again
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